If you have a zest for Zin, be sure to circle these dates on your calendar — July 26 (Seattle) and July 29 (Portland). That’s when ZAP — Zinfandel Advocates and Producers — brings its popular summer wine tasting event to the northwest from San Francisco.

Winemakers and owners from more than 40 California wineries will be pouring 100+ Zinfandels at this fun event, including Cakebread Cellars, Steele Wines, Ravenswood, Cline Cellars and others.

In Seattle, 10 future chefs have been chosen from South Seattle College’s Culinary Arts department to compete in a BBQ cookoff. Each chef will grill a unique appetizer that pairs well with Zinfandel — and the lucky winner will receive an autographed bottle from each of the participating wineries. (I wish I could enter!)

We’ve been fans of Zin for years – and recently pampered our palate with this fine wine during our trip to Napa Valley last month. So we hope to see you there – The Gardens at South Seattle College’s Arboretum from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on July 26. Tickets are $40 and available at the ZAP website. A limited number of tickets might be available at the door, but why take chances and possibly miss out?

Cheers!